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Brian Hioe

@brianhioe.bsky.social
4.9K followers 721 following 6K posts

Editor at @newbloommag.net, writes @thediplomat.com @flaminghydra.com, non-resident fellow at University of Nottingham's Taiwan Research Hub, ‪Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club board, freelance journalist, translator, DJ. Author of Taipei at Daybreak

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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 16h
Deeply unfortunate but a sign of how migrant workers are housed in unsafe conditions
focustaiwan.tw
Filipino worker hospitalized, over 300 evacuated in Tainan dorm fire - Focus Taiwan
A fire broke out at a migrant worker dormitory in Tainan on Saturday morning, leaving four people injured, including a Filipino man who was hospitalized, while more than 300 workers were evacuated, ac...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Tomorrow!
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Anyhow, in closing, I'll also say I found the positioning of those involved in civil defense alongside police, firefighters, and members of the military as those who protect Taiwan interesting
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
You tend to think the usual suspects will freak out unnecessarily about Lai's speech, but one notes that there was very little reference to China in the speech--to minimize the surface area for attacks you could say
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Instead, the DPP is probably counting on the KMT to self-destruct, whether that is due to Cheng Li-wun or Chiang Wan-an's recent stumbles. This is usually how the DPP has triumphed in past election cycles
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
But the DPP is probably conscious of how the Great Recall Movement failed last year because they became too strongly associated with Lai. Hence this attempt by Lai to minimize his presence ahead of elections next month, to avoid perceived partisanship backfiring against the DPP
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai largely played it safe. He did not lean into attacks on the KMT, attacks on China, or introduce any new major ideas. Why? Well, for one, local elections at the end of November are about local domestic issues
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Let's replace Songshan Airport with a nuclear reactor!
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Not much new in Lai's speech honestly, so he was mostly playing it safe while framing himself as fair and balanced, and not the aggressor ahead of elections. He could have made more attacks on the KMT if he had chosen but did not
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai closes on this note of unity and pursuing a better future. He ends with "中華民國加油,台灣加油“
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai states that gender equality and respect and dignity for sexuality continues to be important. Elections are coming up, but mutual respect and jointly protecting the government is key. He states presidential authority comes from the people
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
This is to ensure Taiwan remains competitive. Taiwan cannot have only TSMC as its "holy mountain", but needs a "mountain range" Lai calls for improvements in salaries for public servants, police, and military. He emphasize cash handouts as sharing AI dividends
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai states that Taiwan aims to maintain the current peaceful status quo. Taiwan aims to boost its competitiveness, including regarding AI, semiconductors, robots, other critical technologies
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai states that this does not preclude dialogue. Defense is to ensure dialogue with dignity and parity. Lai here also hits out at China's distortion of WWII history, he states that Taiwan values peace but will not give up freedom
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
It is China that disrupts the international order. As such, assymmetric capacities, defense, are still priorities. This is to be a way of protecting the country Lai thanks military, firefighters, police, nurses, and those involved in civil defense efforts for what they do for TW
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Fighting scam centers, opposing drugs. Fines will be stiffened for drugs. Lai states that Taiwan needs to show the world that democracy is effective in caring for the people. He states Taiwan does not pursue conflict but aims to stabilize the international order
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai states that opportunities for skilled migrant workers, international talent will be expanded, even as priority is still on Taiwanese workers. Efforts will be made to retain such talent.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
So Lai calls for more benefits for young families, including with regard to housing. He states that improvements in healthcare are a priority, for the young and old. So that means more social housing, urban renewal
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai calls for Taiwan becoming a foundation of the world, in this sense. He says one cannot only look at growth but whether society has improving labor conditions, as well as care of the elderly, and if young people have opportunities
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai touts sports accomplishments by Taiwanese athletes, as also signifying Taiwan's resilience, and Taiwan's economic growth having reached new heights. Lai plays up cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini, Palau, and strengthening ties with Europe
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Lai touts unity with the world, and Taiwan's willingness to contribute to it. He states that war has continued to proliferate in the world, while the economy has also faced shocks, but Taiwan remains committed to non-red supply chains as part of this commitment to the world
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
In his National Day speech, Lai frames differences in backgrounds, political views, and generations as united by a responsibility to protect Taiwan and its future. Lai touts the 30th anniversary of direct elections in Taiwan, as showing Taiwan's bravery in the face of threats
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
I'm actually in an airport between connections and wasn't planning on live-tweeting Lai's National Day address, but I have a bit of time and it works out in terms of timing so why not work instead of chilling out for an hour, lol
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Jesus Christ, Mswati III was just announced as an honored guest at National Day
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Interestingly, in his National Day comments ahead of Lai's speech, Han Kuo-yu calls for unity and transcending differences while also vaguely attacking Lai. So he still has presidential ambitions, of course
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Reposted by Brian Hioe
Woodrow Hartzog @hartzog.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Folks, we’re awfully close to losing the plot entirely, and that’s being generous. The consciousness debate is a silly dead end distraction from the very real danger of AI’s destruction of institutions and degradation of our own humanity.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
What a truly idiotic proposal. Chiang may have wanted to distinguish himself from the competition but this was a terribly ill-thought idea www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
taipeitimes.com
Chiang’s proposal to remove Songshan airport sparks controversy - Taipei Times
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday proposed relocating Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport) and turning the site into an artificial intelligence (AI) park, drawing opposition from politicians across party lines.Chiang’s plan would turn the 300 hectares into an AI park featuring te
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Nice read by @micah_mccartney in @thediplomat.com on the raid on Commander D by Taipei police thediplomat.com/2026/10/a-ra...
thediplomat.com
A Raid on a Gay Bar Risks Taiwan’s LGBTQ-Friendly Reputation
An attorney says authorities overstepped legal bounds, and activists warn of discrimination ahead of Asia’s largest Pride event.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
You don’t hear as much about such evictions cases anymore but they still happen
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Touting Taiwan as a democracy while backing an absolute monarchy, sigh www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
taipeitimes.com
Lai seeks deeper cooperation with Eswatini as king visits Taiwan - Taipei Times
President William Lai (賴清德) today called for deeper cooperation with Eswatini, as he received the country\'s leader, King Mswati III, at a military ceremony in Taipei. Mswati arrived early today for a...
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Reposted by Brian Hioe
Lev Nachman @lnachman32.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Whether the DPP sweeps Taipei and New Taipei, or the KMT keeps its northern stronghold, the outcome of the local elections is not a reflection of Taiwanese attitudes toward China, Lai, Trump, or war. My latest with @brianhioe.bsky.social in The Diplomat: thediplomat.com/2026/10/taiw...
thediplomat.com
Taiwan’s Local Elections Are Not About China, President Lai, or the United States
Candidates across Taiwan are campaigning on local issues that vary by city – not topics like cross-strait relations. What can we learn from these elections?
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New Bloom @newbloommag.net · 08/10/2026
週六 Saturday! 💅抗體趴 Cvnty Party 🔮壞事成雙 Double Trouble🎃 10/10 20:00 破曉咖啡Daybreak Cafe 🏳️‍⚧️雙舞池驕傲月派對 TWO-FLOOR PRIDE MONTH PARTY www.instagram.com/p/Dd0_A27k_t...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Just awful, though no surprise from the Trump administration
reuters.com
EXCLUSIVE: US opens direct talks with Myanmar's generals, reversing years of isolation
The Trump administration has begun direct talks with Myanmar’s military-installed government in a sharp reversal of Washington's efforts to isolate the country’s generals after the 2021 coup.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
What? I think some people will be rather upset without Songshan Airport. For an AI park??? www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
taipeitimes.com
Taipei mayor touts plan to replace Songshan airport with AI park - Taipei Times
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) today announced plans to relocate Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport) and redevelop the 300 hectare site into an artificial intelligence (AI) park featurin...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Guess this is pretty popular focustaiwan.tw/society/2026...
focustaiwan.tw
Over 53,000 register for Taiwan repeat visitor program in 7 days - Focus Taiwan
The Tourism Administration said Thursday that a total of 53,304 foreign travelers had registered between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7 to participate in a program for repeat visitors to Taiwan, with plans to brin...
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Reposted by Brian Hioe
nilay patel @reckless.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24...
theverge.com
Don’t ever hand your phone to the cops
Even if you’ve got nothing to hide.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Fun lol
theguardian.com
Satellite images show attack jets at Chinese military facility in Laos
New ‘support and training centre’ prompts concern in region but China says it is ‘not directed at any third party’
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Lol
scmp.com
In Focus | Beijing policy advisers map out how post-reunification Taiwan could be governed
Mainland Chinese scholars discuss varying levels of autonomy for the island based on how reunification is achieved.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Hmmmm, interesting. Time to forget what the pan-Blue camp says about the impossibility of a blockade until BRI is complete?
semafor.com
View: China has resolved its ‘Malacca Dilemma’
China has survived the global energy disruption largely unscathed, while the island economies around it are struggling.
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Next week!
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Well, expect the KMT to downplay this focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw
18-month jail sentence sought over surveillance of DPP's Shen - Focus Taiwan
Prosecutors on Wednesday sought an 18-month prison term for a man accused of taking NT$360,000 (US$11,299) from two Hong Kong residents to surveil Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Sh...
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Reposted by Brian Hioe
She Makes Noise @shemakesnoise.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
scintii has also put together a mixtape for She Makes Noise x Taiwan. We’re sharing the link here in case you’d like to give it a listen 🔊 radiorelativa.eu/episode/scin...
radiorelativa.eu
Radio Relativa
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Does Taiwan have a political left and a political right? Wrote on this question in my latest for Euroview euroview.ecct.com.tw/category-ins...
euroview.ecct.com.tw
Beyond left and right
Why Taiwan’s political spectrum continues to be shaped primarily by independence and unification and why efforts to build an alternative divide have struggled to endure.<br /> <br /> By Brian Hioe
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New Bloom @newbloommag.net · 07/10/2026
Sunday! Join us to see a series of films from the UK encampments for Gaza, which will be followed by a Q&A with the director, who will join us in person www.facebook.com/events/10924...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Presumably, the aim is to intimidate, as well as to project power--as though China could do something against Lai's son at any time. Likewise, the attempt may be to depict Lai as hypocritical for calling for Taiwan's defense while having a son living in the US
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
KMT attempts to attack Puma Shen on capital punishment, Shen denies being against capital punishment, affirms that he has participated in legal procedures on its use news.ltn.com.tw/news/politic...
news.ltn.com.tw
藍質疑廢死立場 沈伯洋曝曾審定出版《死刑肯定論》:怎不跟我這專家談降低犯罪 - 政治 - 自由時報電子報
藍營近日抨擊民進黨台北市長參選人沈伯洋毒品立場,果不其然,國民黨籍立委羅智強今(7)日接著再打死刑議題,質疑沈伯洋支持廢死。沈伯洋今發文說,他不只沒有發起廢死修法,甚至曾參與審定出版《死刑肯定論》。國民黨不談地方政府如何預防犯罪,也不跟他這個「犯罪學專家」討論,用片段標籤攻擊,對守護市民安全有何幫助?「如果真的像國民黨所講的,為什麼我到現在還沒提出要廢死刑的修法?」沈伯洋臉書發文表示,他不僅沒有提...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Er, yeah, maybe not a good idea to travel to a state controlled by a military junta waging war on its people? www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
taipeitimes.com
MOFA urges people not to go to high-risk areas in Myanmar - Taipei Times
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday urged people to make every effort to dissuade their family or friends if they are planning to travel to Myanmar’s cyberfraud compounds, as there are almost no...
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Reposted by Brian Hioe
Xun-ling Au 歐迅灵 🏴 @xunlingau.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
50 years ago today... police & paramilitary forces massacred students & protesters at Thammasat University. Today ceremonies of remembrance of those killed took place at Thammasat. The legacy of the massacre & subsequent coup in 1976, still impact Thai society today. #ลบมรดกรัฐประหาร6ตุลา
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Nice read on how resilience training in Taiwan remains too scripted and doesn’t train for scenarios that involve unknowns—as real and useful training would involve
english.cw.com.tw
Taiwan Should Test Its Resilience Plans Until They Break|Insight|2026-10-02|web only
The 2026 urban resilience exercises showed that Taiwan has made significant progress in building the underlying systems and structures for civil resilience. The next phase of this work needs to focus ...
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Brian Hioe @brianhioe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Li Zhen-xiu unlikely to be able to run for office, though other Chinese spouses who acquired Taiwanese nationality through marriage to Taiwanese will be able to news.ltn.com.tw/news/politic...
news.ltn.com.tw
獨家》7名中配除籍未滿10年 官員曝李貞秀選公職無望 - 政治 - 自由時報電子報
九合一選舉11月登場,本次有25名中國籍配偶登記參選,其中4人未繳交喪失原籍證明,已繳交者有7人的喪失原籍證明時間未滿10年;知情官員透露,中配李貞秀除籍未滿10年,依兩岸條例第21條規定,無法成為民選公職候選人。李貞秀今年8月宣布參選竹北市長,並對外聲稱「竹北是我堅定的選擇」。不過,李貞秀是2025年3月才回到中國放棄當地戶籍,其參選資格仍有疑慮,待新竹縣選委會認定。
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